Wraparound eye shield systems and methods

ABSTRACT

Wraparound eye shield systems and methods for providing protection to a wearer such as a dental patient.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/389,541 filed Jul. 15, 2022, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention relate to the field of eye shields, and in particular embodiments, to wraparound eye shield systems and methods.

Eye shields provide protection for a patients' eyes during dental examinations. Although such shields are useful in many situations, still further improvements are desired. Embodiments of the present invention provide solutions to at least some of these outstanding needs.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention include wraparound eye shield systems and methods that can be used to prevent the wearer from having unwanted particles or substances contact their eyes.

In one aspect, embodiments of the present invention encompass wraparound eye shield devices having unique configurations. For example, a wraparound eye shield device can include upper and/or lower sections or flaps that provide protection for the user's eyes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates aspects of wraparound eye shield systems and methods, according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates aspects of wraparound eye shield systems and methods, according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates aspects of wraparound eye shield systems and methods, according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates aspects of wraparound eye shield systems and methods, according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates aspects of wraparound eye shield systems and methods, according to embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are to be describing selected embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. All references of user or users pertain to either individual or individuals who would utilize embodiments of the present invention.

Embodiments of the present invention encompass wraparound eye shield systems and methods that can be used by dental patients to prevent unwanted materials from contacting their eyes. Advantageously, exemplary embodiments providing circumferential eye protection for a patient.

Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a wraparound eye shield device 100, according to embodiments of the present invention. As depicted here, eye shield device 100 includes an upper score line 110, a right lower score line 120R, and a left lower score line 120L. In some cases, a score line can be provided as a flexural region or other bendable zone or area. In this way, the device 100 can have an upper flap 115 disposed above the main panel 130, such that the upper flap 115 can bend or curve relative to the main panel 130. Similarly, the device 100 can have two lower flaps 125R and 125L disposed below the main panel 130, such that the lower flaps 125R, 125L can bend or curve relative to the main panel 130. The front side of the device is shown in FIG. 1 , in other words the side of the device that faces away from the patient. In some embodiments, device 100 can be provided as a disposable shield.

FIG. 2 shows a wraparound eye shield device 100, according to embodiments of the present invention. As depicted here, eye shield device 100 includes an upper score line 110 and lower score lines 120L, 120R. In this way, the device 100 can have an upper flap 115 disposed above the main panel 130, such that the upper flap 115 can bend or curve relative to the main panel 130. Similarly, the device 100 can have lower flaps 125L, 125R disposed below the main panel 130, such that the lower flaps 125L, 125R can bend or curve relative to the main panel 130. The back side of the device is shown in FIG. 2 , in other words the side of the device that faces toward from the patient.

Accordingly, wraparound eye shield device embodiments of the present invention can provide coverage for the above aspect and/or below aspect for dental patients. Hence, the device can provide enhanced protection for preventing splatter from getting into the patient's eyes, from above and/or below the main panel, for example due to the curved configuration.

In some cases, as depicted in FIG. 3 , a device 300 can include an adhesive material 350 at one or more locations on the shield, for example on the sides of the shield, which can help to minimize a gap between the patient's face and the shield.

In some cases, as depicted in FIG. 4 , a device 400 can include a foam or compressible material 450 at one or more locations on the shield, for example on the sides of the shield, which can help to minimize a gap between the patient's face and the shield.

In some embodiments, a device can include both a foam or compressible material at one more locations on the shield, along with an adhesive material at one or more locations on the foam or compressible material. In some cases, the adhesive material can be located along a portion of or the entirety of an upper foam or compressible material and/or a lower foam or compressible material. In some cases, the foam or compressible material can have a thickness of about ⅜ inch. In some cases, the thickness can have a value within a range from about ¼ inch to about ½ inch. In some cases, the foam or compressible material comprises an open cell foam (e.g. gray).

In some cases, the adhesive material is or includes a medical grade adhesive tape. In some cases, the adhesive material is or includes a direct transfer medical grade tape. The tape or adhesive material can be sticky on both sides, so that it adheres to both the foam and to the wearer's face.

In some cases, there is a slit at one or both end portions of the tape, so as to allow the user or wearer to peel back as needed, to attached the shield with the wearer's face. In some cases, the slit can be on a thin plastic sheet cover that goes over the adhesive (e.g. peel-stick configuration).

In some cases, the shield material is either black (e.g. to block the light) or clear. In some cases, the shield material includes a plastic film. In some cases, the shield material includes polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

FIG. 5 provides a side view of a wraparound eye shield device 500 according to embodiments of the present invention. As shown here, device 500 includes a main panel 530, an upper panel 515, and a lower panel 525 (which could either be a lower right panel or a lower right panel). Upper score line 510 and lower score line 520 facilitate or enable the curved configuration of the device 500.

Embodiments of the present invention are well suited for providing enhanced protection to a patient's eyes from splatter, spray, or other unwanted substances during dental procedures. Eyeshield devices can be provided with any degree of opacity, and may be configured to provide protection from damaging light, such as ultraviolet rays.

In some cases, wraparound eye shield devices can be used by outdoor enthusiasts or workers to prevent unwanted materials such as smoke, soot, dust, particles, foreign objects, cleaning chemicals, and the like from contacting their eyes. Wraparound eye shield device embodiments disclosed herein can also provide enhanced protection from the sun and wind.

Although embodiments of the present invention have been explained in relation to one or more preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

All features of the described systems and devices are applicable to the described methods mutatis mutandis, and vice versa. Embodiments of the present invention encompass kits having systems for filtering breathing air as disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the kit includes one or more eye shield devices, along with instructions for using the device or devices for example according to any of the methods disclosed herein. As described in this disclosure, in some embodiments the terms sub-portion and subsection may be used interchangeably.

Although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity of understanding, one of skill in the art will appreciate that certain changes, modifications, alternate constructions, and/or equivalents may be practiced or employed as desired, and within the scope of the appended claims. In addition, each reference provided herein is incorporated by reference in its entirety to the same extent as if each reference were individually incorporated by reference. Relatedly, all publications, patents, patent applications, journal articles, books, technical references, and the like mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, patent application, journal article, book, technical reference, or the like was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A wraparound eye shield device, comprising: a main panel; an upper panel; a lower left panel; and a lower right panel. 